Sliding handle training bat

ABSTRACT

A training bat has a central rod extending through the longitudinal length of the bat. A knob may be located at a proximal end of the bat. A handle located immediately distal to the knob may slide along the length of the rod. A cone section may be located distal to the handle. The knob and cone section may limit the longitudinal sliding of the handle. A barrel section may be located distal to the cone section. If the barrel section includes an interior chamber, the distal end of the barrel section may include a removable cap. Weights, springs, pins and other objects may be located inside the barrel section. Electrical components or other devices may also be included in the cone section, barrel section or cap. The handle may include an acoustic chamber and an amplifying chamber to provide for emission of a sound when the bat is swung. The acoustic chamber and amplifying chamber may also incorporate safety features.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/939,707 filed on Feb. 13, 2014, the contents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC AND INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF THE MATERIAL

Not Applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to devices and methods for training athletes. More particularly, the invention relates to devices, systems and methods to improving an athlete's swing of a baseball bat or other device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many devices and techniques have been developed to improve athletic performance of baseball players. Bat swing practice means of various kinds have been conventionally proposed and used. For example, there is known a bat swing practice means in which a weight having a predetermined weight value is slidably placed on a bat-shape shaft body to be swung.

In the past, a variety of exercise or warm-up devices have been provided for use by baseball players. Persons who play baseball, softball, and similar sports, often use various devices and methods to improve their batting skills. For example, players may utilize a plurality of bats, a single bat with weighted collars or clamps and the like attached thereto, permanently weighted bats (e.g. hollowed out bats with solid or flowable weight materials included therewithin), or a bat with attached vanes or the like to effect aerodynamic drag. Such devices and methods are employed to facilitate general warming-up, stretching muscles, and developing the muscles used for batting, as well as to improve a player's bat speed, reaction skill, bat control, and the like. Swinging a plurality of bats can be awkward, and there is a limit as to how many bats a person can swing safely and/or comfortably.

Unlike power hitting, in which a bat is swung at a ball with immediate acceleration for high speed so as to gain maximum momentum and great impact upon contact with a pitched ball, contact hitting requires a more controlled swing in which the bat is drawn more slowly toward contact with the ball, with minimal acceleration, and the wrists of the batter are turned just prior to making contact with the ball so as quickly to accelerate, or “snap”, the bat for accurate placement of the hit ball. While many training devices have been proposed for increasing proficiency in power hitting, these devices are not suited to learning the controlled swing necessary in contact hitting, and especially in connection with hitting in soft ball play.

Further, none of these existing devices assist an athlete and/or trainer in identifying problems with an athletes bat swing such as, for example, the amount of twisting done to the bat during a swing, or whether a wrist is actuated at the proper time and to the proper extent to optimize performance.

Further, none of the existing devices assist an athlete in learning to naturally assume proper stance and posture, or to maintain proper stance and posture while simultaneously minimizing negative twisting, or rolling of the bat during a swing.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need to provide means by which and athlete and trainer may isolate and identify many distinct aspects of an athlete's posture, stance and kinetics as they relate to baseball performance.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is a training bat having a central rod extending through the longitudinal length of the bat. A knob may be located at a proximal end of the bat. A handle may be located immediately distal to the knob and capable of sliding along a portion of the length of the rod. A cone section may be placed distal to the handle and may limit the distance to which the handle may distally slide along the rod. A barrel section may be located distal to the cone section. If the barrel section includes an interior chamber, the distal end of the barrel section may include a removable cap. Weight, Springs, pins and other objects may be located inside the barrel section. Electrical components or other devices may also be included in the cone section, barrel section or cap.

In one embodiment, the cone section and barrel section are individual components. Weights may be placed inside an interior chamber of the barrel section. Weight placed inside the barrel section may have a toroidal shape and may be placed around a Rod that extends through the interior chamber. A cap may seal the interior chamber.

In some embodiments, the handle may include a proximal acoustic chamber optimized for producing sound when the handle impacts the knob during a swing. The acoustic chamber may be designed to maximize the volume and minimized the duration of a sound generated by the knob impacting the handle. The distal end of the handle may include an amplifying chamber having cylindrical walls that may impart a bell or bullhorn shape to the amplifying chamber. The walls of the acoustic and amplifying chambers also function as a safety feature to minimize the likelihood of an operator pinching a hands or other body part.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a training bat for assisting baseball players in improving their swing. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a training bat capable of producing a sounds when its handle slides down to the proximal end of the bat.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a training bat in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a cone section and barrel section of a training bat in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a handle and knob of a training bat in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a handle and knob of a training bat in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a handle and knob of a training bat in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a cone section and barrel section of a training bat in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a cone section and barrel section of a training bat in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a training bat and its components in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a training bat in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of a knob of a training bat in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of a cap of a training bat in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a sliding handle for a baseball bat in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a sliding handle for a baseball bat in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a cuff of an alternative embodiment of a sliding handle for a baseball bat in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a side view of another alternative embodiment of a sliding handle for a baseball bat in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a sliding handle for a baseball bat in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a partially exploded view of another alternative embodiment of a sliding handle for a baseball bat in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of two sections of an alternative embodiment for a sliding handle for a baseball bat in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a top cross-sectional view of the cuffs and rails of another alternative embodiment of a sliding handle for a baseball bat in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a top cross-sectional view of the cuffs, rails and two sections of an alternative embodiment of a sliding handle for a baseball bat in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a sliding handle for a baseball bat in accordance with the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

FIG. 1 shows a training bat 10 in accordance with principles of the invention. The training bat 10 may have a length defined by a proximal end 17 and a distal end 19. In this exploded view, many salient features of training bat 10 are apparent. A rod 12 may extend longitudinally along substantially the entire length of the training bat 10. The rod 12 may be, as shown here, a cylindrical rod having a substantially circular cross-section. However, it may be desirable to use a Rod having one or more flat faces and having a cross-section that is not completely circular or having a polygonal shape. It may also be desirable to include one or more slots extending longitudinally or radially about the exterior of the Rod. Slots, grooves, and protrusion on the rod 12 may be used to engage other components of the training bat 10.

For clarity, references may be made throughout this disclosure to a longitudinal axis 11, along which rod 12 runs parallel, and references may be made to various objects or components as being distal or proximal to one another along longitudinal axis 11. In addition, there may be a substantial amount of radial symmetry in the components centered about longitudinal axis 11.

A cone section 16 may be substantially conical or frustoconical, and may be positioned about the rod 12. The cone section 16 may impart to training bat 10 and appearance more similar to a classic that they may would have without the cone section 16. The cone section 16 may optionally be removable and may optionally be weighted and may optionally have an adjustable weight. The cone section 16 may be hollow, solid, or may contain a frame, storage compartment, or other internal structure.

The proximal end 17 of the training bat 10 may include a knob 15 that may have a greater diameter or width, than the rod 12. A handle 14 may be positioned about the rod 12 between the cone section 16 and the knob 15. The handle 14 may be configured to freely slide up and down the longitudinal length of the rod 12 between the knob 15 and the cone section 16. The handle 14 may have a general shape, configuration and structure comparable to the handle portion of a regular bat. The handle 14 may optionally be configured to rotate freely about the rod 12 or optionally configured such that it may not rotate in relation to the rod 12.

A barrel section 18, may be located distally to the knob 15, handle 14 and cone section 16. The proximal end of barrel section 18, may abut the wider, distal end of the cone section 16. The cone section 16 may optionally be attached either removably or permanently to the barrel section 18. The barrel section 18, may be substantially hollow having an internal chamber. The rod 12 may extends distally through the entire length of the barrel section 18 and may all or a portion of the rod 12 may be threaded or smooth.

A weight 23 may have a relatively toroidal shape such that it may be placed with in the barrel section 18 and around the rod 12. Weight 23 may include threading through its central hole, or may otherwise be designed to engage one or more devices for proper positioning of the weight 23 within the barrel section 18. The most distal component of the training bat 10 may be a removable 22 that may be removed. In order to access the interior of the barrel section 18.

FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional view of the cone section 16 and the barrel section 18. Cone section 16 may include a distal end 25 having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the barrel region 18. The cone section 16 may taper in the proximal direction along axis 11 such that its proximal end 24 has a diameter only slightly larger than the diameter of the rod 12. In this embodiment, distal end 25 of the cone section 16 is flush with and abuts against the proximal end 27 of the barrel section 18. It may be desirable for the cone section 16 and the barrel section 18 to be formed from a single unitary body, or be otherwise integrated by for example, removable or permanent affixation to one another. It may be desirable for the cone section 16 and the barrel section 18 to be capable of rotating in relation to one another.

In this embodiment, cone section 16 has a frustoconical shape. Optionally, cone section 16 may have a diameter that decreases in a stepwise rather than gradual manner from the distal to the proximal end. It may also be desirable for the cone section 16 to be completely removed. In embodiments that do not include a cone section, the barrel section may be longer. It may also be desirable for cone section 16 to include various ornamental or other features, such as blinking lights, devices for producing sound and other circuitry or may optionally include team or brand logos.

Barrel section 18, may be substantially cylindrical and may have substantially the same diameter at both proximal end 27 and distal end 31. In this embodiment, rod 12 extends through the entire length of the barrel section 18. Rod 12 may be smooth, or may include threading and may include other surface textures or features. In this embodiment, rod 12 includes a distal threaded region 35.

A pin 30 extends through rod 12, thereby limiting the extent to which weights 32 may travel into the interior chamber 28 defined by cylindrical outer wall 26. Other devices, such as a washer, spring or other device may be used to limit the extent to which a weight or other object may travel into the interior chamber 28. In this embodiment, two weights 32 and have been placed into the interior chamber 28. A cap 22 covers and seals the distal end 31 of the barrel section 18. Cap 22 may screw on to the threaded region 35 of the rod 12. Cap 22 may include an O-ring 36 that may facilitate hermetic sealing between the cap 22 and the distal end 31 of the barrel section 10, and may also prevent the cap 22 from unscrewing during use. A spring 34 may be placed with in the interior chamber 28 distal to the weight 32, thereby imparting a bias in the proximal direction against weight 32. As a result, the weight 32 may be held securely in place such that they do not slide back and forth, longitudinally while the training bat 10 is in use. Optionally, a spring 34 may not be included, thereby permitting weight 32 to slide longitudinally along Rod 12. By optionally removing 1030, weight 32 may be free to move longitudinally along the entire length of the barrel section 18, from the proximal and seven to the distal end 31.

FIG. 3 shows the handle 14 in more detail. Handle 14 may be substantially radially symmetric, surrounding a Rod 12, which may traverse door 44 positioned down the middle of the body 40 of the handle 14. The distal and 50 of the handle 14 may include a cylindrical wall 54, which along with floor 61 defines an amplifying chamber 56. As will be explained in more detail, the amplifying chamber 56 may be an important feature of the training bat 10, by increasing safety and increasing an audio signal generated during operation of the training bat 10.

Body 40 may have a concave exterior surface 42. It may be desirable for the exterior surface 42 of the body 42. Have a size, shape, appearance and feel of a standard baseball bat. Therefore, it may be desirable for the exterior surface 42 to be knurled, ribbed or otherwise textured. Optionally, tape may be wrapped about the handle 14 substantially covering exterior surface 42 to further emulate a standard baseball bat.

The proximal end 52 of the handle 14 may also include a cylindrical wall 57, which along with the tympanic panel 45 defines a proximal acoustic chamber 58. The interior sides of walls 57 may include one or more niches 60 into which a locking pin 64 may be inserted when an operator desires to lock the handle 14 into a stationary position.

The knob 23 located at the proximal end of the rod 12. It may include on its exterior, proximal surface 63 a locking lever 62. When the locking lever 62 is rotated, locking pins 64 extend outwardly from the knob 23 such that they may engage niches 60 and thereby secure the handle 14 at the proximal end of the training bat 10. Knob 23 may optionally incorporate any other suitable mechanism for locking a handle 14 to the proximal end of a training bat 10. Optionally, a training bat may not provide a means for locking into place, the handle 14.

Knob 23 may include a percussion panel 47 located on its distal side. Percussion panel 47 and tympanic panel 45 may be designed to emit a loud cracking or popping sound when they come in contact with each other. During operation of the bat, an operator may practice stance and form by listening for the sound emitted. During a swing, centripetal force may pull the barrel section outward and away from the handle. As the handle 14 slides along rod 12 and a proximal direction, it's sliding may be stopped when the percussion panel 47 impacts tympanic panel 45, thereby stopping handle 14's sliding motion relative to the rod 12 and emitting a sound. When an operator swings the training bat 10 properly, the sound will be emitted when the bat attains a particular predetermined position relative to the operator. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a tympanic panel 45 and a percussion panel 47 that may be optimized to produce a sound having maximized volume, but minimized duration. A short loud sound may assist in operator in determining more precisely the correctness of his or her form.

The body 40 of the handle 14 may be preferably constructed of a material capable of transmitting sound waves very efficiently and quickly from the acoustic chamber 58 to the amplifying chamber 56. Without being bound by theory, the inventor believes that the cylindrical wall 54 about amplifying chamber 56 may result in the sound created in the acoustic chamber 58 being amplified when it reverberates through the chamber floor 61 and walls 54 of the amplifying chamber 56. That is, the shape of the amplifying chamber may operate under the same acoustic principles as a bullhorn or similar device. It may also be desirable for the body to be constructed of a material that may be sturdy enough to withstand repeated impingement so substantial force by percussion panel 47 on tympanic panel 45. It may also be desirable for body 40 to be constructed of a material that may be both durable and capable of transmitting the emitted sound while retaining its maximized volume and minimized duration. This may be desirable in order to maximize the amplifying nature of the amplifying chamber 56. Again without being bound by theory, the inventor believes that the acoustic chamber 58 of the handle 14 may also amplify the sound emitted by the impinging of percussion panel 47 on tympanic panel 48 by virtue of its side walls 57.

FIG. 4 shows the handle 14 and knob 23 locked together by the insertion of pins 64 into niches 60. The training bat 10 may be used in practice more like a regular bat when handle 14 is locked onto the knob 23. This configuration may also be advantageous when an operator desires to store the training bat 10. As mentioned above, other means of securing the handle 14 to the knob 23 may be any suitable mechanism known in the art, for example. Threading on the interior walls 57 may be used to screw the knob 23 into the acoustic chamber 58. Latches, straps, pins, screws or any other suitable mechanism. Optionally, it may be desirable for the handle to be designed to be secured to the code section in place of or in addition to the securement at the proximal region of the bat.

Both acoustic chamber 58 and amplifying chamber 56 may serve an additional purpose in serving as safety features as well as devices for generating an effective sound. When a bat is swung rapidly, substantial centripetal force may be imparted at the distal end of the training bat 10, causing the handle 14 to slide proximally very rapidly. Were the location of the stopping impact, located at tympanic panel 45 and percussion panel 47 exposed, an operator may inadvertently pinch a finger or other region of the palm. This may result in substantial pain and even serious injury. By providing a cylindrical wall 57 that substantially conceals the point of impact, the training bat 10 may be very safe to handle even by children of a young age. The locations on the training bat 10 that may pose a pinching danger may be removed to a distant safely away from the exterior surface 42 of the handle 14 where an operator's hands would be placed.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a handle 100 and a knob 108 at the proximal end 103 of the rod 102. Handle 100 may include an amplifying chamber 117 defined by the cylindrical sidewall 113 and the chamber floor 115. The acoustic chamber 119 may be defined by the tympanic panel 109 and the cylindrical wall 111. Handle 100 may also include one or more breaks 106. The breaks 106 may be adjusted radially, being moved closer or further from the rod 102. By positioning the breaks 106, such that they impinge upon rod 102, an operator may adjust the speed at which the handle 100 traverses the rod 102.

The knob 108 includes a percussion panel 107 that has not been formed as an integral part of the knob 108. Instead, percussion panel 107 may be comprised of a particular material and/or configuration in order to maximize the volume of or shorten the duration of a sound created in the acoustic chamber 119 when percussion panel 107 impinges upon tympanic panel 109. Optionally, percussion panel 107 may be designed to reduce the amount of noise created. This may be desirable when an operator desires to minimize the noise of training. There is no locking mechanism on the knob 108. Instead, application of the breaks 106 may lock the handle 100 at any location along the rod 102.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a barrel section 70 and a cone section 74. In this embodiment, the cone section 74 has a more fresh to conical shape because the proximal end 77 of the cone section 74, has been slightly truncated. The proximal end 77, forming a small planar surface perpendicular to the rod 72 and the longitudinal axis of the bat. As a result, proximal end 77 may abut the floor of the acoustic chamber of a handle positioned proximal to the cone section. This may prevent the proximal end 77 of the cone section 74, from entering the bore of a handle which the rod 72 traverses.

The distal end 79 of the cone section 74 may be substantially flush with and abut the proximal end 80, one of the barrel section 70. Cone section 74 may be secured in place and in the proper orientation by any suitable means. Cone section 74 may be secured to the rod 72 and/or the barrel section 70. The cone section 74 may optionally be formed as an integral part of or as a unitary body with either the rod will will 72 or the barrel section 70. The cone section 74 may perform a variety of functions including creating an appearance similar to a standard baseball bat. The cone section 74 may have one or more concave, convex or angular sections or surfaces. It may be formed from rigid or flexible material.

The barrel section 70 may be comprised of a proximal end 81 and a cylindrical wall 76 that may define an interior chamber 78. The interior chamber 78 may be substantially cylindrical. However, like other components in accordance with the principles of the invention, the interior chamber may be preferably radially symmetric, and may have a variety of three-dimensional shapes, such as for example, an ellipsoid or a polygonal prism. In this embodiments, a spring 84 may be placed in the proximal end 81 of the barrel section 70, around the rod 72, which traverses the barrel section 70 along its axis of symmetry. A cap 73 may be removably attached to the distal end 83 of the barrel section 70. In this embodiment, the cap 73 may be removably attached by engaging the threading of the threaded region 84 of the rod 72 and screwed into place. The cap 73 may optionally be attached by engaging threading on the interior side of the cylindrical wall 76, may snap into place more be removably affixed by other means.

The cap 73, like The cone section 74, may be comprised of a rigid or flexible material. It may be solid, or it may include internal cavities. Either the cone section 74 or the cap 73 may include electronics for emitting lights and/or sound. It may be desirable to incorporate a device into either the cap 73 or the cone section 74 that emits a light or noise when a predetermined amount of centrifugal or centripetal force is detected, when a predetermined amount of torque force is detected or upon detection of other forces.

A weight 82 may be inserted into the internal chamber 78 through the distal end 83 of the barrel section 70. The spring 80 may impart to the weight 82 a bias toward the distal end 83 of the barrel section 70. This may prevent the weight from sliding longitudinally and traversing the interior cavity 78. Such movement may be undesirable. Optionally, a spring may be placed both distally and proximally to weight 82. Optionally, the weight 82 may be Incorporated into the cap 73. This may eliminate the need to incorporate a spring 80 into the interior chamber 78.

In this embodiment, the interior chamber is relatively large and the cylindrical wall 76 is relatively thin. The bat may optionally utilize a solid barrel section 70 having no internal chamber. Where the barrel section 70 has no interior chamber, the cap 73 may be an unnecessary component. Optionally, the interior chamber 78 may be accessed from locations other than the distal end 83. For example, one or more openings may be located in either the cylindrical wall 76 or the proximal end 81.

FIG. 7 shows another alternative embodiment of a barrel section 110 having a cone section 114 integrated such that the to form a single unitary body. The cone section 114 tapers and a proximal direction along longitudinal axis 124, which may also serve as an axis of symmetry. A cylindrical wall 116 along with the cone section 114 defines an interior chamber 118. A weight 122. In this embodiment may move freely within the interior chamber 118. A cap 120 may cover a distal opening at the distal end 111 of the barrel section 110. The cap 120 may be removably engaged with a threaded section 113 of the Rod 112.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of a training bat 90. The training bat 90 may be of a simpler design. It may include a rod 92 having a flange 97 at its proximal end. A handle 96 may be slid over the distal end 93 of the rod 92. A cone section 94 may then be attached to the distal end 93 of the rod 92. A weight 98 may optionally be affixed to the cone section 94. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that annular weights 98 are known for use with baseball bats to improve a baseball players swing. The handle 96 may slide along the length of the rod 92 between the cone 94 and the flange 97. This embodiment does not include features such as an acoustic chamber and an amplifying chamber.

FIG. 9 shows another alternative embodiment of a training bat 130 in accordance with principles of the invention. Training bat 130 includes a rod 132, about which a handle 138 may be placed. As a flanged proximal end 140 prevents the handle 138 from sliding off the Rod 132. A cone section 134 may be affixed to rod 132, and may prevent the handle 138 from sliding off the distal end 140 of the rod 132. The distal end 140 of the Rod 132 may be threaded and may be configured to engage threaded bore 142 of a barrel section 136. The barrel section 136 in this embodiment is solid and may have a predetermined weight. The barrel section 136 may be removed and replaced with alternative barrel sections having different weights.

FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of a knob 150 at the proximal end of a Rod 154 and handle 152. The knob 150 includes a small laser 156 that may emanate a laser beam 158 and a proximal direction. The laser 156 may be comparable to a laser pointer as is commonly used with a laser pointer pen, or a keychain. When an operator uses a baseball T stand, he or she may adjust the position of the baseball bat such that the laser beam 158 points that and lands upon a ball atop a T stand prior to initiating a swing. Once the laser beam 158 is aligned such that it hits a baseball, an operator may initiate a swing. This may further improve the operator swing.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a cap 160 for use on the distal end of a baseball bat. The 160 may engage the threaded region of a Rod 162 and the sidewall 164 of the barrel of a training bat. The cap 160 may house, a sensor package 166. The sensor package 166 may include an accelerometer, a motion sensor and other components. When a training bat is swung, it may detect and record the velocity, acceleration, torque force and other physical data. The 160 may include a screen 168 on the exterior of the cap 160 and/or a transmitter. A screen 168 may provide the information recorded by the sensor package 166. Optionally, the sensor package 166 may transmit the recorded data to an electronic device, for example, a cell phone. The sensor package 166 may include Bluetooth®, or other signal transmission technology and may also interact with a smart phone application or other software. This may allow an operator practicing with a bat and/or his or her coach to analyze and manipulate the data recorded by the sensor package and use that data to further improve and operators swing.

FIGS. 12 to 14 show an alternative embodiment 200 of a sliding handle training bat in accordance with the principles of the invention. The alternative embodiment 200 includes an annular cuff 202, the sleeve 215 and a sliding handle 204 configured to fit around a typical baseball bat 206. The baseball bat 206 is of the type commonly used in the game of baseball. It includes a distal barrel 208 designed to contact a baseball, a proximal knob 210 and a substantially cylindrical handle 212 positioned between and connecting the proximal knob 210 to the distal barrel 208.

In this embodiment, a sleeve 215 is placed over the handle 212 and the distal side of the knob 210. The sleeve 215 extends from the knob 210 to the cuff 202. Optionally, the sleeve 215 may be formed integrally with the cuff 202 or maybe a separate component. The sliding handle 204 may translate along the longitudinal axis 201 of the bat 206 along the length of the bat handle 204, the distance traversed being limited by the knob 210 at its proximal end and the annular cuff 202 at its distal end. If a sleeve 215 is used, the sliding handle 204 only has physical contact with the cuff 202 and the sleeve 215. The sleeve 215, cuff 202 and sliding handle 204 are all removably attached in this embodiment. Optionally, one or more of these components may be affixed permanently about the handle 212.

Long-term continued use of the sliding handle 204 may wear down or otherwise damage the baseball bats handle 212. Use of the sleeve 215 may prevent such damage and may provide a smoother surface allowing the handle 204 to slide more smoothly. Additionally, baseball bats often have tape or other material wrapped around or coating the handle 212. These materials are designed to provide a better grip for an operator of the baseball bats and may impede smooth sliding of the sliding handle 204. The sleeve 215 may cover such material such that it does not need to be removed. An operator may thus affix the sleeve 215 and the cuff 202 to a typical baseball bat 206 and then snap the removable sliding handle 204 overs the sleeve 215 between the knob 210 and the cuff 202. An operator may then practice and hone his or her swing. The sliding handle 204, cuff 202 and sleeve 212 may then be removed from the baseball bat 206 so that the bat may then be used in playing baseball.

In this embodiment, the cuff 202 is formed from two semicircular sections 214 that may be removably connected by a lock 216 and the two sections 214 may be pivotally attached at a hinge 218. The lock 216 may be any mechanism commonly used to removably connect two objects. For example, the connection may use a nut and bolt, a latch, a snap fit device or other similar removable attachment mechanism. In this embodiment, the lock 216 includes an external button 217 that releases a latch 209 the lock when depressed. Optionally, the button 217 may be configured to only release the lock 216 when the button 217 is slid or pushed in a given direction. Optionally, the lock 217 may be replaced with other engaging mechanisms, for example, complementary magnets, snap-fit or friction-fit mortise and tenon mechanisms, complementary holes with a removable linchpin, or other devices known in the art. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are a number of suitable locking mechanisms suitable for removably affixing the two sections 214 to each other to form a ring about the bat.

The cuff 202 may optionally be configured to form a friction fit with a distal region of the handle 212 of the bat 206, or may use other engaging mechanisms as explained above in relation to the sliding handle. Optionally, the cuff may be comprised of a single section made of any elastic material allowing it to be wrapped around the handle. For example, the cuff 202 may be comprised of a thick rubber ring such as an O-ring. The cuff 202 may preferably be configured to frictionally engage the bat 206 at or near the intersection of the bat handle 206 and the bat distal barrel 208.

The sleeve 215 may be integral with the cuff 202 or may be a separate component. Optionally, the sleeve 215 may be semirigid or rigid and secure the cuff 202 between itself and the outwardly tapering barrel 208 of the bat. In this embodiment, the sleeve 215 includes an annular flange 227 configured to abut against and cover the distal end 213 of the knob 210.

As may be seen and FIG. 13, the sleeve 215 of this embodiment has a cylindrical outer surface 219 having an approximately equal circumference extending from the annular flange 217 to the cuff 202. The inner surface may be configured to life flush against the slightly convex surface 229 of the handle 212. Optionally, the inner surface 219 of the sleeve 215 may also be cylindrical and have a constant circumference along the length of the sleeve 215.

The sliding handle 204 of this embodiment has a body 205 comprised of two handle half sections 220 connected by hinges 221 and removably affixed to each other at by locks 222. As with the lock 216 of the cuff 202, the locks 222 may consist of any suitable mechanism for removable engagements. In this embodiment, buttons 223 release the locks 222 when depressed. The two half sections 220 when joined completely surround the sleeve 215. The body 205 is configured to fit loosely over the sleeve 215 such that it may easily slide up and down the length of the sleeve 215.

As with other embodiments, the sliding handle 204 of this embodiment includes an annular proximal lip 228 that extends in a proximal direction, overlapping and covering the knob 210 when the handle 204 is in its most proximal position. A tympanic panel 230 in this embodiment is substantially planar and perpendicular to the bat handle 212.

As with other embodiments, when the training bat 200 is swung, the sliding handle 204 will slide toward the proximal end of the bat 206 until the sliding motion is halted when the tympanic panel 330 impinges on the distal side 332 of the knob 210, which may or may not be covered by a sleeve 212. The contact of the tympanic panel 330 with the distal side 332 of the knob 210 creates a sound that may be amplified by the lip 228 and an athlete using the bat may adjust his or her swing according to the time at which the sound is generated. As with other sliding handles disclosed herein, the sliding handle 204 may include a distal annular lip forming a distal acoustic chamber 242. When a snapping or cracking sound is generated by the tympanic panel 230 impinging upon the knob 210, the distal acoustic chamber may amplify the sound reverberating throughout the handle 204.

One advantage of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 is that it may be attached to any standard bat and so an athlete may more easily utilize the invention without buying a specially modified training bat. Another advantage may be that an athlete may use the sliding handle training device in accordance with the invention using a bat he or she is already familiar with.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show an alternative embodiment 250 of a sliding handle training bat in accordance with the principles of the invention. This embodiment uses a typical baseball bat 252 and a sliding handle 254 similar to that shown in FIGS. 12 to 14. The sliding handle 254 is configured to wrap around an existing typical baseball bat 252. However, this embodiment includes a sleeve 256 configured to be wrapped around the handle 258 of the baseball bat 252 and extend from a position at or near the proximal knob 260 of the bat to the barrel 262. The sleeve 256 in this embodiment includes a distal cuff 264 and a proximal cuff 266. Optionally, the proximal end of the sleeve 256 may extend to and abut the distal end 268 of the knob 260. The handle 254 may include a cylindrical inner wall 270 forming a central bore. The sleeve 256 is configured to be substantially flush with the cylindrical inner wall 272. The inclusion of a sleeve 256 provides a smoother, more fluid sliding of the handle 254 up and down the longitudinal axis 274 of the bat. The cuffs 264 and 266 limit the extent to which the handle 254 may traverse the longitudinal length of the bat 252. The sleeve 256 may be comprised of two separate sections removably attachable around the handle 258. The sliding handle 254 may similarly be comprised of two separate halves hinged on one side and removably attachable on another in a manner similar to that shown in FIGS. 12-14.

As with previous embodiments, the sliding handle 254 includes a tympanic panel 272 configured to be substantially parallel to the distal side 276 of the cuff 266. During a practice swing, the handle 254 slides in a proximal direction until the tympanic panel 272 impinges upon the distal side 276 of the cuff 266. The resulting snapping or cracking sound may be amplified by the proximal annular lip 274. When the tympanic panel 272 impinges upon the cuff 266, the impact may reverberate throughout the sliding handle 254 such that the sound is further amplified by the distal annular lip 278 that forms a distal acoustic chamber 280.

FIGS. 17 to 21 show another alternative embodiment 300 of a sliding handle baseball bat in accordance with the principles of the invention. In this embodiment, two semicircular rails 302 extend between two annular cuffs 304, where each of the cuffs 304 are comprised of two semicircular have this 306. The sliding handle 308 is comprised of two semicircular halves 310 connected by hinges 312 on one side and by a removable locking mechanism 314 on another side. The handle includes ridges 316 aligned between the rails 302 extending between the cuffs 304. By incorporating ridges 316 sliding longitudinally between rails 302, this embodiment ensures that the sliding handle 308 may easily move longitudinally in both directions without any rotational movement. When the distal ends of the ridges 316 impinge upon the cuffs 304, a sharp sound is produced and is naturally amplified by the cylindrical inner wall of the handle 308.

FIG. 17 shows two sections 310 of the sliding handle 300 in the open position prior to being wrapped around a baseball bat handle 330. When the hens 312 is pivoted such that the sections 310 form a circle, the ridges 316 form pairs that fit between the rails 302 extending between the cuffs 304. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the rails 302 between the cuffs 304. FIG. 20 shows the rails 302 surrounded by the sections 310 of the sliding handle and the orientation of the rails 302 relative to the ridges 316.

FIG. 21 shows a side cross-sectional view of the sliding handle 300. When the sliding handle 300 and the cuffs 304 have been wrapped around a baseball bat handle 330, the ridges 316 slide between the rails 302 along the longitudinal axis 315 of the bat. When the bat is swung, the proximal ends 336 of the ridges 316 impinge upon the distal sides 338 of the cuffs 304 between the rails 302. The proximal ends 336 of the ridges 316 and the distal sides 338 of the cuffs 304 may be preferably configured to be flat and substantially parallel to one another such that when the ridges 316 impinge upon the cuffs 304 a snapping or cracking sound is generated. In this embodiment, the space 312 between the handle sections 310 and the bat handle 330 may act as an acoustic chamber and amplify the sound.

Whereas, the present invention has been described in relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention. Descriptions of the embodiments shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting or defining the ordinary and plain meanings of the terms of the claims unless such is explicitly indicated.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

1. A training bat for improving a baseball player's swing comprising: a rod having a proximal end and a distal end; a knob at the proximal end of the rod; a barrel region at the distal end of the rod; a handle around and slidably engaged with the rod.
 2. The training bat of claim 1 wherein the handle comprises an acoustic chamber, a body and an amplifying chamber. 